The Kiwi road trip is coming to an end...

Our third and final week began in Whakatane on the Pacific coast. The Bay of Plenty is known as the region with the most hours of sunshine. Here we enjoyed two amazing days. On the first day, we explored the region on rented bicycles and were somewhat surprised because we were challenged more than we had expected. The steep mountain that rose between our starting point and our destination was really tough. But if you love your bike, you push it! However, we were rewarded with a great view over the coast, the beach of Ohope, and White Island. We went to White Island on the second day. The only active volcanic island in New Zealand is located about 50 km from the coast and can be reached after a two-hour boat ride. We were lucky enough to have the company of a few dolphins during the boat trip, and we were very excited about what awaited us on White Island. Upon arrival, we were equipped with helmets and gas masks, you never know, right? It looked like a completely different planet there. Steam was coming out of the earth everywhere and the ground was covered with deposited yellow sulfur. Are we still on Earth?! The crater is filled with water that has an incredibly acidic pH value, unimaginable to drink. But there were also two small springs whose water is not drinkable but can be tasted, according to our guide. Just to find out what it tastes like. So we did it, but a bit nervously! And ta-da, one tasted like iron and the other like lemon. We also visited the mining factory that was destroyed after a landslide in 1914. Not much left, but the ruins were interesting to explore.

Continuing along the coast, our route led to Donut Island. We paddled to the small island that actually looks like a donut with kayaks. It can only be reached through a small cave entrance. Surrounded by rocks, you can see a round hole at the top and the blue sky - a really unique atmosphere! We visited Cathedral Cove at sunset. Both Simon and I had been here two years ago, but because it's such a great place, we wanted to enjoy it together again.

Suddenly, we realized how quickly the time was passing and we still wanted to see the northernmost point at Cape Reinga. But there were only two days left. Off in the camper van and full speed ahead to the north. On the way, we visited some beautiful beaches and bays in the Bay of Islands, saw the oldest stone house in the country, and ate super fresh fish and chips. It's really clear here in New Zealand that we're upside down. Simon, the late riser, gets up at six in the morning to go hiking with me, the sports hater - completely unimaginable, but the photos are proof. We are mutating into early risers and sports enthusiasts here. The 360-degree panorama was amazing, and of course, there was no one else up here at this time. Then we went on a trip to Cape Reinga and the 90-mile beach. The big 4x4 bus had quite a bit of power. Past avocado plantations and huge sand dunes, we reached Cape Reinga after over an hour. The wind almost blew us away! Here, below the lighthouse, the Pacific and Tasman Sea meet. A truly magical place! Also for the Maori, because right at the front of a rock, the northernmost tree grows. For them, it is the connection between the earth and the sky. The souls of the whole country start their last journey here to reach the sky.

After a delicious lunch at Tapotupotu Bay, we headed to the popular 90-mile beach, which is actually only 55 miles or 88 km long. What a sight, an endless beach and sand as far as the eye can see. We made a stop for sandboarding at a large sand dune. What fun, it reminded us of our trip to Peru. Driving along the beach was no problem thanks to our 4x4 bus. However, not everyone is deterred by the numerous warning signs at the beach access. We also saw someone who suddenly couldn't go any further, you can only hope that the rescue is faster than the tide! Along the beach, we saw a herd of wild horses that live here in the vast forests. After the excursion, we had to speed along the west coast to make it back to Auckland on time. And then, after an incredible 3412 km, the last day had arrived. We packed everything back into our backpack, visited a last great market in the middle of Auckland, strolled along the shopping street, and returned the camper van safely. Full of anticipation for Australia, we were also a bit sad to leave. But we have the impression that we will come back. See you soon, unique New Zealand!!!